emotional and physical break, and a combined rationalization to justify it, will continue to rise. Though the ride of life will continue, there are some things we can do to make it smoother from time to time.

For the past few years, I have had the assorted delight of exploits and objection of living in a

small resort town in Costa Rican, one of foreign tourism’s most sought destinations. In my

endeavors in the spa industry both here and in the US, I have found varying assumptions, real life

options, along with what works for that illusory thing we call rejuvenation.

Costa Rica, a country comparable to the size of West Virginia is, in and of itself is a Mecca

of natural wonders made for revivification. With my own inner desire to seek out some renewal for

myself, and being right here in “Mecca land” I decided to take it upon myself to find out what is out there not only for me, but for those around me who look to me for knowledge in this area.

Hundreds of auspicious companies now acknowledge the commitment needed to redirect the

unhealthy and unhappy workforce created by the demands of the job. Many are realizing that these

sedentary and high pressure positions may be causing employees a loss of physical health, leading to further preoccupations and overworked psyches. The return, high cost healthcare, and less productivity. Health oriented firms are taking advantage of this shift by craftily applying well planned, results oriented programs to increase worker productivity and reduce stress, while setting markers to measure goals and savings. Firms will work one on one with your company to implement on site healthcare facilities, work out centers, meditation rooms, weekly massage, nutrition and stress management classes, among other incentives. Giving back to the employee and acknowledging they are more than a 9 to 5. This provocation of our spiritual search and looking into our own behavioral patterns and how they lock us into our external lives is increasing. Our need to reclaim our behavior is a reason to seek places of divine retreat.

We seek rejuvenation centers for solace, to manage stress, detoxify, find alternative healthcare or for motivation for a lifestyle change, all while satisfying our craving for euphoria. What if we could bring about a radical change within ourselves, and let that ebb and flow in our daily lives. What is that worth to us?

From coastal plains to rugged mountains, and over 100 volcanic cones, several that are active, the humble country of Costa Rica depends on tourism to bring in foreign income that allows them to tackle environmental and social issues. The past year has brought that tourism, and foreign direct investment, over 480 million dollars of it. It has also brought advancement, with spas popping

up in rapid succession, and a seeming rush to beat out the next guy. According to the Coyle

Hospitality Group, a New York based market leader in quality assurance, the average person, 57% of

us in fact, have visited a resort or hotel spa 1-5 times in the past year. With spas at almost every edge of Costa Rica, from the south end of the Osa Peninsula, to the far north where you can visit a Four Seasons, I agree we will see our share of the 59% of consumers who now want more time to explore their spiritual side, according to the 2001 Leisure Travel Monitor.

R &R Resorts is the management operation of three well known and highly sought international wellness centers with spa and retreat villas. Providing the total “mind, body, spirit”

connection before it was trendy to include this slogan on every youngling spa brochure. One of their three facilities, aptly named Pura Vida, or Pure Life, a national anthem and frequent greeting for the Costa Rican People, symbolizing to take it easy and enjoy life. In other words most things can wait until tomorrow, not a mentality easily ingrained into our work harder, get more,

puritan roots.

I decided it was time to take advantage of my location and experience this for myself. As I passed through a small country town, they call Cerrysel, I am amazed at how much of this small country still remains for me to see. High green mountains, surrounded by coffee fields,

and winding small roads that lead to a remote hilltop location, needing a little navigation, almost as if you need an exclusive password for the privilege of the location. A seeming world away from my four hour drive from the coast, with fog misted mountains and a quiet calm, I looked forward to sharing with the staff. Having previously arranged a meeting with the general manager and marketing coordinator, I knew I only had the day to enjoy this getaway, because of my schedule.

Promising myself I would make a return visit for the much talked about week of transformation.

Upon my arrival I was greeted with a warm welcome by Manrique Gomez, the GM here for the past

three years with 20 years of management experience. I was immediately taken through the grounds, as we discussed the types of accommodations, classes, treatments and pricing they have to offer.

The walk was colder than I am used to, quiet, with only the wind moving the palm and almond trees

with a perpetual breeze, and a refreshing clear view of the valley and surrounding hills. With a

review of the 22,000 square meter grounds, of comfortable sturdy “toldos” or tents, and pagoda

style villas, 53 in all, I was invited to lunch. In the Garden Restaurant a cozy cafeteria style center, I sat down with some very sincere and enthusiastic staff. More rightly referred to as part of the community, at least that is how they like to view themselves. I was pleased to find some of my favorite combinations, tofu dishes, lots of fresh vegetables, cheeses, fruit juice and salad. A light healthy fare, that blends well with a weeks retreat of healing therapies from Bioenergetics, Watsu, Inner Guidance, Thai, Reflexology, Reflective time and all other customary treatments you may think of.

Everyone I spoke with was honest and open, not at all excessively protective of their

proprietary works as some who shrink from the interest of other trade professionals. Proud of their success and innovative programs they were happy to share. With members of the “community”

from Israel, Australia, USA, Germany, Britain, and of course Costa Rica, they have no shortage of

people who seek a chance to live and work here. Isvari, a Sanskrit word for the feminine of God, is the name the resident yoga instructor takes. Trained in Kripalu, Holistic Nutrition, Danskinetics, and Iyengar theories, she brings an open minded vision to her teaching. When I asked another member, what she enjoyed most here, the response was “touching hearts”, which is what she sees in the responsive and physical difference in her clients, at weeks end. Trained in Israel, Switzerland, and India, she has a friendly face, wide, clear eyes, and a true dedication to her work. Management, instructors, therapists, enthusiasts, solace seekers, and Pura Vida regulars all eat, live, practice, and

heal together.

Built on an old coffee farm, significantly more developed than when it was purchased 20

years ago by the founding couple of R & R Resorts, Pauline and Michael Klegg.

Now a prosperous company, it is comprehensibly managed by a couple of “corporate refugees”,

Rakesh and LuAnn. Based in Dahlonega, Georgia, near the Pura Vida USA wellness center, they

travel monthly to their sister properties in Tulum, Mexico, and Alejuela, Costa Rica. Rakesh, a former corporate financier, and LuAnn a lawyer by training, make for a well designed management

team. For two and a half years they have been behind the properties and programs you can find

available. In speaking with the management team I was able to relate to the dedication and skill it

takes to keep these wellness centers going. With my own recent work in boutique, and resort spa

start up on the Pacific Coast, I’d had my days of rewards and set-backs. The couple, having visited

the Costa Rican property three years ago on vacation, decided to modify their lives and upon their return, applied with R& R Resorts, later finding themselves heading up the project. Attracted to the wellness industry by a desire to do something more thrilling than the routine corporate world, and I’m guessing a little healthy self-interest to do something for themselves, they took it on with enthusiasm. With no misconceptions about the industry, they admit, it is just as hard, if not more, to manage these properties, as it was in high demand jobs. Travel is frequent and quality checks are consistent, along with ensuring that each property reflects and represents what they advertise, and is homogenous with the whole body connection put into place at the original MayaTulum property 20 years ago. The founding couple had some healthy discernment in bringing together yoga, and spa awareness when it was not mainstream, an became an inspiration to others.

LuAnn tells me there are no immediate plans for expansion on the Costa Rica property, but

that they are always looking to improve the look and “deepen their offerings” to the guests, and

leave them with something to take home. As we all know, our guests can be the greatest reward, and

the greatest challenge, all at the same time. The reason they always look for staff with the ability to deal with the public, and amongst it all, smile! A pre-requisite to be a staff member, I am told, is quality training, knowledge, and of course the right attitude. As I’ve heard throughout my career from therapist, to manager, through development and consulting, people can be trained, but if they are inherently unhappy, that will reflect in their work.

It must be working, as LuAnn informs me they consistently receive compliments from

clients around the world on the positive fulfillment of expectation and forceful energy of Pura Vida retreats. From experience I know how hard it can be to execute countless biddings, the feeling to out perform, and surpass your guests expectations. In this aspect LuAnn put it so objectively, “Some may have better rooms than us, others may have better treatments, but it is what we put into it, and the service and caring that our clients receive that make it an experience to remember.”

This is the attitude that has made this one of the most popular destination locations in Central

America, and the management awareness is key.

With the average vacation being 10-14 days out of 365, some of us, myself included prefer a new experience during our time away, where our personal needs will be addressed,

and you can really take some, YOU time. Sometimes that takes seclusion, and lifestyle change,

which is part of what Pura Vida does in taking pride in raising a level of consciousness for their clients, and creating a safe space for transformation to happen. Where as one staff member put it, “giving them time to return to the beautiful person they have forgotten they are”

LuAnn maintains a belief that nature has a way of healing us, if that is the case, then this is

a perfect tropical location to begin your renewal. Not only a popular spa with 9 mountain view

rooms dedicated to treatments and a private Watsu pool. Their wellness center can also be reserved

for yoga teacher trainings, therapist CEU’s, and seminars for all types and levels of the trade.

Destination spas are one of the things people think of when looking for a much needed

escape and to allow our overworked minds to be swept away, to contemplate a recent change, a

divorce, work, or life. Each of us will look to have a different expectation filled, seeking our own path, transcending age, health and circumstance. We all need, and deserve to function at our best physiologically and emotionally. Personally I look forward to taking them up on an invitation to return and participate in their wellness program and trying out the ‘Unwrap Journey Paradise” package , floating from massage to wrap to detox steam and facial. Exploring the boundries of my yoga stretches, and taking some time for introspection of my own to re-direct some goals that may have slipped off track.

Costa Rica can be a place where your daily rejuvenation rituals and healthy habits may be

challenged, you certainly will be hard pressed to find a turkey burger or raw foods juice bar,

especially disadvantageous to those of us living day to day lives here. Whether we are traveling or a long term guest in a foreign location, our well being is within our reach. Inside the borders of this little country I currently call home, I now have one more channel to access in my personal search for the sometimes misleading or unbridled spirit. Rejuvenation is deeply personal to each of

us, as we create our rituals to get through the day, deep breaths when needed, a private minute for a mantra, or scanning trade and travel magazines for the next get away. We find our way.

I look up as I am writing this, into a tranquil ocean cove, a friends’ sloop moored below, the

sun is setting, soon I will see the capricious pattern of shades on the horizon, a bird swoops

in to pick up a wandering gecko, and I move to the sounds of distant titi monkeys, and a subtle

background beat of a locally bought c.d., ‘Sounds of the Coffee Lands’. An echo of breaking surf

moves up the hill, like a chant, a sound that has always been my soul rejuvenation, that wraps me in

contentment. I guess this is the beginnings of my dream, my chance to re-invent myself and

capture the empowerment to appreciate it, and what enables me to provide a center of renewal

for myself and those around me. So my daily ride, once a roller coaster has slowed to a tranquil

merry go round, with an exceptional view… at least for the time being. After all I am working the controls.

Alicante is known as the capital of the Costa Blanca and is located directly on the Mediterranean, although most visitors to this Costa will best know Alicante for its airport, but this lovely city is well worth a visit. Check out the sea views from Santa Barbara Castle, situated on Mount Benacantil, the top of which can be reached by an elevator set into the rock face across from Playa Postiguet.

Aside from the view, the strange rock formation is worth examining, which resembles a Moor’s face, as well as the Museo de les Fogueres (Museum of the Bonfires) where amazing figures created for June’s Fogueres Festivals are displayed. The CAPA Collection is also housed here, featuring examples of modern Spanish sculpture, including works by Dali.

Santa Faz Monastery is also worth a look, if only for the legend attached to the site where it is situated – a pilgrim brought a relic of the cloth which was used to wipe the blood from the face of Jesus at crucifixion to Alicante in the 16th century and by doing so, caused a miracle to occur…Visit the monastery to learn the whole story.

Museum lovers looking for something a bit different from the usual scraps of pottery and so on will enjoy a change at the Nativity Scene Museum, which is located in Alicante’s Old Quarter. As well as an interesting collection of Christmas bric-a-brac, the museum displays lovely nativity scenes from all over the world. The Bullfighting Museum also offers something a bit different from the norm – a permanent display focusing on various local bullfighters, with rooms given over to presentations and discussions on this contentious topic.

For a more conventional museum experience, try the Gravina Fine Arts Museum, with its collection of pieces ranging from the 20th century a far back as the Middle Ages. Alternatively, La Aseguarda Museum features a fine collection of contemporary pieces, from masters including Miro, Dali and Gargallo, as well as some non-Spanish artists.

Alicante’s beaches are also as good as any you’ll find along the coast, especially San Juan beach, which, with its endless 7 kilometres of fine sand and broad range of facilities, plus a nearby 18-hole golf course.

The city centre is packed with shops and restaurants, in addition to a number of shopping malls on the outskirts, such as Gran Via, Vista Hermosa and Panoramis. Eating out is certainly enjoyable in Alicante with a lively selection of bars, outdoor cafes and restaurants available in El Barrio and El Puerto. The two locations offer very different atmospheres, the old town charm of El Barrio contrasting nicely with El Puerto’s sleekly modern marina location.

El Puerto (meaning “The Port”) offers a regular service to Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, France and North Africa. The regular ferry and shipping services, rail and motorway links with Barcelona, Murcia, Denia and Madrid, and the international airport, make Alicante the gateway to Spain’s Costa Blanca.

Having mentioned the setting, it has to be described. The town of La Nucia, just 5 kilometres inland, up the hill behind Benidorm, has been transformed in recent years. I have lived in the town for over four years and have seen an almost complete transformation in that time. It was a beautiful, if quiet place in 2002, when I first visited. Since then a major project of refurbishment and reinvention has been undertaken. Besides a new road, the town now has several shopping complexes, new health centres, libraries, community centres, playgrounds and parks. The most important additions, if, like me, you have a keen interest in the arts, have been the beautiful 600 seat concert hall and, across the road, an outside auditorium that can seat up to 3000. Back at the start of the year the World Youth Orchestra under Josep Vincent inaugurated the Concert hall, l’Auditori de la Mediterrànea, with a concert in which a 110 piece orchestra performed Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. It’s a piece that can be its own parody, if played badly. Now I would claim to know just about every note of the piece and in my humble opinion Josep Vincent’s reading of the score, frankly, was perfect.

And so to the setting. La Nucia is perched on the side of a valley that runs down to the sea from the Sierra Aitana and the mountain, Puig Campaña. On the other side of the valley is Polop, a pretty, floodlit, tumbling Costa Blanca town of pastel shades beneath a hilltop citadel. Beyond, the large town of Callosa d’en Sarrià, the centre of the unique nispero trade, lies illuminated at the base of the Sierra Guadalest. Turning a little to the right, there is the jagged junction between rock and sky that is the summit line of the Sierra Bernia and then, over the now well-known town of Altea, the Mediterranean. Behind the outdoor auditorium’s stage, a row of houses and shops become a backdrop for lighting effects. I hope the residents don’t mind. Frankly, it would be hard to imagine a more beautiful place to listen to music, except for the reservation, of course, that the outdoor setting needs amplification, which makes the sound flat. That, I believe, need not be too much of a handicap if the programme is well thought out. And last nights concert triumphed in that respect.

So, initially not expecting much, I took my seat and looked (as best I could in the dark) at the works on offer. Sandwiched between two of Alberto Ginastera’s dances for the Estancia Dances Op8 (1941), we were to be offered Stravinsky’s Firebird, Tres movimientos tanguisticos porteños by Astor Piazzolla and a complete Al Amor Brujo of Manuel de Falla. If the prospect on reading the list of works watered the mouth, the reality simply stunned.

Ginastera’s Danza del Trigo (Dance of the Wheat) rushed and raced to evoke effects of wind gusts on a wheat field. Rhythms and keys are crossed and the music speeds along without actually being fast! I recall an article by Colin Matthews some years ago about how to write music that sounds very fast while in fact changing very slowly.

The Stravinsky, of course, is utterly well known, and like the other two ballets in what most of us regard as his early romantic trilogy, it can become a cliché. But not in the hands of Josep Vincent, who has a complete understanding of the composer’s music. It was superbly played, never rushed, but never allowed to rest.

What followed was a different universe. Astor Piazzolla is known as a composer of tangos, which, for some reason tend to be associated with the lightweight. Josep Vincent, in his introduction to the piece, Tres movimientos tanguisticos porteños, was at pains to tell us that Piazzolla was a “classical” composer who studied with Nadia Boulanger. Yes, true, and he also studied with Ginastera and others, declaring, himself, that he had developed a profound love of Bach. The reference is apposite, since the last of these three tangos turned out to be a complex fugue! I know a number of the composer’s works very well, having heard Joachim Palomares’s ensemble on several occasions and having played the Barenboim disc regularly. But these pieces were as hard as nails. Rhythmically they were tangos, but if you think that Stravinsky’s music might be associated with toughness (which I don’t) you should try these three orchestral pieces by Astor Piazzolla. As ever, Piazzolla uses minor keys, sometimes rather confused minor keys as well. The gloom would be unremitting were it not for his utterly inventive use of form. Throughout, however, there was that little trilling turn that is his musical signature. Surely he was one of the twentieth century’s most original musical voices.

The only work on the programme by a Spanish composer was next, a full account of El Amor Brujo of Manuel de Falla. Written in 1915, the score blends elements of Flamenco from the composer’s native Andalusia with “classical” forms. Scored for medium-sized orchestra and voice, it was performed last night by Mayte Martin, who specialises in flamenco-style singing and she was quite excellent. Necessarily under-stated because of the nature of the piece, her singing added a sonority to the overall sound that transformed the whole piece into something unique. The extremely famous Ritual Fire Dance at the core of the work raised its own round of applause, despite being offered in an intriguingly controlled way in Josep Vincent’s reading. It worked, since the restraint prevented the section dominating the work and thereby held our attention more for the vocal sections.

And then to finish the evening was a real bit of summer night out. Malambo, another of the Ginastera Opus 8 dances, closed the show. Now I will freely admit that when I am in a concert of any type an invitation that we might “put our hands together” and clap along with the music usually leaves me feeling empty and, often, not a little resentful, because it usually indicates a concert that is so poorly presented by the performers that they have to do something cheap to drum up support. But when the conductor turned to the audience, a few phrases into Malambo and indicated participation, frankly, it was impossible not to comply. The piece is utterly infectious. The whole audience joined in – AND the whole audience was utterly attentive, able to react immediately when the conductor turned to quell the clapping with a wave of the hand to allow a detailed variation in the music to come through, and then start again as requested as the main rhythm returned. Five works in the concert, three of which I had not heard before, faultless playing by the World Youth Orchestra and, as ever, the highest possible standards of interpretation under the direction of Josep Vincent …. Quite beautiful.